Expat News

Expatriates In Saudi Arabia Given 60 Days For Transition or Exit

An expatriate worker in Saudi Arabia has up to 60 days to transfer to another employer or depart the country on a final exit visa, starting from the day they stop reporting to their original job, labour authorities said. If no procedures are taken during the specified period, the worker's status will change to "absent from work," and an absenteeism report against them will not be revoked, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources added. The authorities have mandated that employers ensure their expatriate workers with a final exit visa leave the kingdom. The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has emphasised the employer's responsibility for following up on the expatriate's departure once a final exit visa is issued.

First-time Visitors Can Breeze Through Abu Dhabi Airport By Registering On App

If you have just planned your first ever trip to the UAE, you can now fast-track your journey through Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and breeze through immigration in just 10 seconds. The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has launched the ‘UAE Fast Track’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. The app allows first-time visitors to pre-register their details to enable them to use the e-gates at the airport.

Pay For Dubai Metro Ride With The Palm Of The Hand

If you leave your smart card behind at home, you will still be able to avail of the Dubai transport services by simply using your palm to pay for the Metro fare. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority revealed the 'MyID Palm' project at the ongoing Gitex Global 2024. This new system will allow passengers to use their palm to pay for various modes of transport, including the Metro, buses, trams, and marine services. It will also work at retail shops, grocery stores, and restaurants that accept no card payments.  This information was released by Salah Al Deen Al Marzooqi, Director of the Automated Collection System Department at the RTA. 

"Global Harmony," A Saudi Initiative To Boost Connections With Expats

A "Global Harmony" initiative is underway to enhance connections with a large community of expatriates in the country. The initiative aims to shed light on the lives of expats in the kingdom, including career and family aspects, their social and recreational activities, contribution to the Saudi economy, and the expat success stories. The initiative, undertaken by the Saudi Ministry of Media, also aims to emphasize the diversity and richness of expats' cultures and their integration into Saudi society. Through a partnership between the Ministry of Media and the General Entertainment Authority, a series of events are planned in the ongoing edition of the Riyadh Season, a flagship annual Saudi entertainment and tourist festival.